Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of May 23, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews!

We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

7 Piano Sketches by Andre 3000

In 2023, rapper Andre 3000 surprised the music world by releasing his first solo studio album, New Blue Sun. The record marked a new era for the former Outkast member as he transitioned into jazz music. Recently, he dropped a new extended play, 7 Piano Sketches. I will be honest; at times, I thought that the heavy piano banging reminded me of my beloved nephew Nash and niece Emory banging on my folks’ piano.  “Hotel Lobby Pianos” and “Off Rhythm Laughter” were the only two songs that redeemed this disastrous EP. D+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hotel Lobby Pianos” & “Off Rhythm Laughter.”

 

For Recreational Use Only by Blake Shelton

For Recreational Use Only marks a new chapter for Blake Shelton! The “God Gave Me You” singer’s recent album is his first off Wheelhouse Records, his new record label. His thirteenth record features songs penned by a mix of veteran and new country music hitmakers, including Charles Kelley, HARDY, Jameson Rodgers, Josh Osborne, Ross Cooperman, Shane McNally, and Shelton’s former Voice mentees, The Swon Brothers. The album also features collaborations with Craig Morgan (“Heaven Sweet Home”), John Anderson (“Years”), and beloved wife and music icon Gwen Stefani (“Hangin’ On”). For Recreational Use Only is a sturdy album and one of Blake’s most personal albums yet. B-

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” “Texas,” “Hangin’ On,” & “Let Him in Anyway.”

 

Dreamsicle by Maren Morris

Last year, singer-songwriter Maren Morris left the country music world behind and ventured into the pop music world. Her fourth studio album, Dreamsicle, marks her full-time arrival in the music genre. “The Middle” recording artist teamed up with some of the genre’s top hitmakers, such as Ali Tamposi, Caroline Allin, Julia Michaels (who is also featured in “Cut!”), Greg Kurstin, Jack Antonoff, John Ryan, and the Monsters & Strangerz, to co-pen material.  Dreamsicle boasts a wealth of superb material, including the bitterly sweet “Lemonade,” the 80s synth-inspired “Cry in the Car” and “Push Me Over,” and the dreamy title track.  Dreamsicle is a strong start for Maren’s new era and I see potential for her to have her own space in the pop music world. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lemonade,” “Cry in the Car,” “Push Me Over,” “Because, of Course,” & “CUT!”

 

I’m the Problem by Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen released his fourth studio album, I’m the Problem. The country music superstar’s latest offering features 37 SONGS! While the “Last Night” singer-songwriter co-wrote 22 of the songs, he selected 49 songwriters to help him craft the record. Longtime collaborators Charlie Handsome and Joey Mai (who both co-produced the album), along with Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass, Chris Tompkins, David Garcia, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Jimmy Robbins, Nicolle Galyon, and Rocky Block, are just some of the names that contributed to the album. Meanwhile, rising pop phenom Tate McRae joined Morgan Wallen’s friends Eric Church, ERNST, HARDY, and Post Malone as featured artists. I’m the Problem features songs that tackle his personal life, such as  “Superman,” “Genesis,” and the deeply personal “I Got Better.” The album also features blockbuster hits, such as the title track, “Love Somebody,” the Post Malone collaboration “I Ain’t Got Back,” and Tate McRae’s “What I Want.” I’m the Problem continues to showcase why Morgan Wallen is one of the millennial generation’s greatest country music artists, cementing his legacy in the country music world. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “I’m the Problem,” “Superman,” “Just in Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Love Somebody,” “Lies Lies Lies,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” & “Don’t We.”

 

My Valentine” by Barbra Streisand with Sir Paul McCartney

Entertainment industry legend Barbra Streisand will release the second volume of her Partners duet series, The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume 2, on June 27. The album’s second single, “My Valentine,” features a powerful collaboration between the two icons: Ms. Streisand and Sir Paul McCartney! This duet of the English rocker’s 2011 single is pure bliss and showcases why these two powerhouses have enjoyed multi-decade careers. A+

 

“Texas Hold ‘Em” by Home Free & Chapel Hart

Two of my favorite country music groups teamed up! Home Free joined Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friends Chapel Hart to cover Beyoncé’s massive 2024 hit song, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” This collaboration was pure bliss, thanks to the superb arrangement, and their phenomenal vocals took everyone to church. I know that they made both Beyoncé and the Beyhive proud. A

 

“Priceless” by Maroon 5 featuring LISA

Maroon 5 is preparing to launch a new era! The three-time Grammy-winning pop-rock band released a new single, “Priceless.” The single marks a first for the “Love Somebody” band as they collaborated with LISA, one of K-pop’s top recording artists. Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and LISA co-penned the song with the band’s bassist Sam Farrar, Ali Tamposi, Michael Pollack, Rhea Raj, Federico Vindver, and Jacob Kasher Hindlin (the latter two joined the founding Voice USA coach, Farrar, and Noah Passovoy in the song’s production process). “Priceless” seamlessly blends both pop rock and pop rap and marks an exciting chapter in Maroon 5’s storied history. B+

 

“Alibi” by Maya Kuriel

Future Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast guest Maya Kuriel released her latest single, “Alibi.”  “Alibi” reminds me of both Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” and the Weeknd and Lana Del Rey’s “Prisoner.” Just like both dark pop hits, Maya perfectly transports listeners into a Bonnie and Clyde escapade that is perfect for the 2020s. A-

 

“What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts & the Backstreet Boys

Country and pop music’s biggest groups finally collaborated! Both Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys headed to the studio to re-record Rascal Flatts’ 2006 heartbreaker “What Hurts the Most.” As much as I love both groups, it took me a couple of listens to get on board with this collaboration. C+

 

“Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman (Remix)” by Thomas Rhett & Teddy Swims

Thomas Rhett invited Teddy Swims to remix his single, “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman,” which can be found on the deluxe edition of Thomas Rhett’s 2024 album, About a Woman.  The “Look What God Gave Her” singer-songwriter co-wrote the tune with Andrew Haas, John Ryan, and Julian Bunetta, who also co-produced the song with Dann Huff. This collaboration is superb from start to finish, and a twist of psychedelic country is evident in the song’s production. B

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists and groups that are shaking up the music industry.

 

Echo – EP  by Jin

BTS vocalist Jin released his second solo project. Echo – EP features seven new songs that include “Loser,” a duet with fellow K-pop star Yena (“Loser”), and songs co-written and produced by Arcades, Ben Samama, the Digital Farm Animals, Pdogg, and Wyatt Sanders. Echo – EP showcases Jin and his team’s ability to harness some of the magic from the mid-2000s and 2010s pop, thanks to slick production and irresistible pieces of ear candy. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Don’t Say That You Love Me,” “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser,” & “With the Clouds.”

 

“Boys” by Frankie Grande

Entertainer and reality TV icon Frankie Grande is set to release his debut album, Hotel Rock Bottom, with Casablanca Records on June 27. His latest single, “Boys,” is the eagerly awaited response to Cyndi Lauper’s iconic bop “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” This delightful piece of ear candy will have listeners dancing and could become the highlight of pride parades and festival DJ sets worldwide. Well done, Frankie! A- 

 

“Gutter Priestess” by Frankie and the Witch Fingers 

Los Angeles psychedelic band Frankie and the Witch Fingers has released their final single ahead of their latest album, Trash Classic. The group consists of lead vocalist Dylan Sizemore, lead guitarist Josh Menashe, bassist Nicole “Nikki Pickle” Smith, drummer Nick Aguilar, and synth player Jon Modaff. “Gutter Priestess” is a superb, nearly five-minute rollercoaster ride featuring excellent guitar riffs from both Menashe and Smith, alongside epic drums from Aguilar that contain surf rock vibes. B+

 

“Dancin’ Around” by Meg Donnelly

Fresh off a final three appearance on The Masked Singer, actress and singer Meg Donnelly has released “Dancin’ Around,” her latest single from her upcoming extended play, Dying Art. The American Housewife alum and Zombies star, along with her production team, brilliantly transported listeners into a hybrid dance-pop and synth-pop world. “Dancin’ Around” is a superb bop from start to finish, and I am looking forward to hearing the EP! A-

 

“Daydreaming” by Michael Lazar

Miami-based singer, songwriter, and producer Michael Lazar rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. His latest single, “Daydreaming,” is off his anticipated EP of the same name. “Daydreaming” is a beautiful piano and synth-hybrid ballad that evokes the early days of bubblegum pop with a hint of Brian Wilson.  A

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